During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels (08-11 February 2021), MEPs debate the corona crisis, in particular the homologation and distribution of transparent masks. Closing session by Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships.

Brussels

statement

debate

plenary session

medical devices (T)

medical device

protective equipment

URPILAINEN, Jutta (FI, EC)

Coronavirus outbreak (T)

virus

Homologation and distribution of transparent masks: Closing session by Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships

SOUNDBITE (Original), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Dear President, honourable members, I have to tell you that I'm very grateful for this debate. I want to thank you for the important remarks that that were made. And at least from my perspective, I have to tell you that I also learnt a lot while listening to you.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, As I said earlier in my introduction and intervention, the priority for all relevant actors along the supply chain of masks is to ensure that the users can find the products that are, first of all, safe, that serve the required function and are adopted that they need. This is the principle, and this is also the case for transparent face masks covered by the EU legislation on PPE, on medical devices or on cheap esteem according to their performances and intended use.

SOUNDBITE (Original), Jutta URPILAINEN, European Commissioner for International Partnerships, So what I can say, untell to you today is that the commission will continue to provide support to all stakeholders by elaborating guidance, enabling the exchange of best practises and by facilitating the coordination, efforts and concern the most vulnerable people of the societies and especially people with disabilities. I would say that we plan to adopt the EU disability strategy in March, and I think that also gives us some ideas that how are we able to ensure to equal society for all of us. I thank you for this very fruitful discussion.